Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 330

330. Those Who Wait, Those Who Move (7)

“I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter brought by the envoy from the Ouchi clan.”

At Sejong’s words, the ministers searched their memories, recalling the details of the envoy’s message.

Having organized their thoughts, the ministers soon began to voice their opinions.

“They wish to gather talented individuals from their territory to learn the Way of the Sages [Confucianism]. How could this not be a commendable endeavor? It is fitting that we should provide support.”

“Indeed. I believe we should accept the Ouchi clan’s request and support them with teachers. If we impart Joseon’s virtue and etiquette to these Japanese people, it would be killing two birds with one stone, safeguarding Joseon’s security.”

The Ouchi envoy requested that Joseon send teachers to educate selected talents from their territory.

-Currently, we have selected 50 individuals in the first round. We plan to select a similar number of talents every year.

-Therefore, Joseon should support us with teachers to educate them. Joseon has been renowned for its literature and etiquette since ancient times, and we wish to learn from it.

The contents of the handwritten letter from Ouchi Morimi, brought by the envoy, were roughly as stated above.

The ministers’ opinions generally leaned towards accepting Ouchi’s request.

“I have heard your opinions. However, the Ministry of Education, which should have the most to say on this matter, has not yet spoken. What are the thoughts of the Minister of Education?”

At Sejong’s question, the Minister of Education, Jo Gye-saeng, bowed his head.

“I, Minister of Education Jo Gye-saeng, answer Your Majesty’s question. It is indeed a positive development that the Ouchi clan has recognized their shortcomings and requested Joseon’s teachings. However, based solely on this letter, we cannot ascertain the extent of Ouchi’s needs. If we proceed on assumptions without properly understanding their requirements, it would be better not to proceed at all.”

“Your words are correct.”

Sejong nodded at Jo Gye-saeng’s reply. Seeing that Sejong’s reaction was not negative, Jo Gye-saeng continued.

“Dispatching teachers to the Ouchi clan’s territory also presents a challenge. We lack information about the level of the 50 selected individuals. We cannot determine if their level is comparable to former Sungkyunkwan [Joseon’s highest educational institution] students or current Junghakdang [secondary educational institution] students. Frankly, we lack the teaching staff to dispatch teachers qualified to teach beyond the Junghakdang level.”

Sejong’s expression darkened at Jo Gye-saeng’s statement.

“Is ‘lack of talent’ hindering us once again?”

“We apologize. Your subjects are incompetent….”

Lee Jik bowed his head on behalf of the ministers at Sejong’s lament.

“It is not your fault.”

Sejong replied briefly, concluding the matter. Holding them responsible for the current talent shortage would be akin to blaming the previous kings—especially Taejong.

Huh Jo, upon hearing the words ‘lack of talent,’ questioned Jo Gye-saeng.

“How can there be a lack of talent when there are so many scholar-officials throughout Joseon?”

Jo Gye-saeng retorted sharply.

“Doesn’t the Minister of General Affairs also constantly lament about a ‘lack of talent’ every day?”

“……”

Huh Jo fell silent at Jo Gye-saeng’s retort.

Kim Jeom, who had been listening to their exchange, offered a dissenting opinion.

“How about selecting suitable individuals from those who committed crimes during the Giyu year [political purge] and are working in the mines?”

No sooner had Kim Jeom’s words ended than shouts erupted from the ministers.

“Speak sense!”

“Lord Kim! Are you losing your mind!”

“That man will cause a great disaster!”

Once the uproar subsided, Sejong asked Kim Jeom.

“For what reason does the Minister of Finance suggest selecting from among the criminals? Surely, the minister is aware that they are criminals. I would like an explanation.”

Sejong’s stern voice revealed his displeasure.

Kim Jeom swallowed hard and carefully explained his reasoning.

“Those who deserved to die among those who committed heinous acts in the Giyu year are already dead. Most of those currently working in the mines are individuals being punished through guilt by association. Therefore, if we select suitable individuals from among them and send them to Waeguk [Japan], we can save face for Ouchi and, at the same time, widely proclaim Your Majesty’s generosity.”

As soon as Kim Jeom’s words ended, Maeng Sa-seong spoke.

“According to the Great Ming Code [legal code of Ming Dynasty China], even those implicated by association would not have escaped death. However, Joseon’s law spares even those implicated by association from the death penalty, depending on the degree of kinship. That is why they were made slaves and forced to work. This alone is enough to proclaim Your Majesty’s generosity. Any further generosity could undermine Your Majesty’s authority.”

The ministers nodded in agreement.

Following Maeng Sa-seong, Lee Maeng-gyun spoke.

“Although the Ouchi clan claims to be on friendly terms with Joseon, they are still of the same stock as the Japanese. They are a race that could turn their swords against Joseon at any moment if they feel disadvantaged. And those who committed crimes in the Giyu year rebelled against Your Majesty. Even if they were not the ringleaders, they agreed with their intentions. If these disloyal individuals teach the Japanese, would the Japanese who learn from them show goodwill towards Joseon? Absolutely not.”

As soon as Lee Maeng-gyun’s words ended, Jo Gye-saeng, the head of the relevant ministry, took over.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs is correct. The reason we lack talent to serve as teachers now is not a matter of knowledge but of character. No matter how excellent their learning and skills may be, if their character is flawed, they should never become teachers.”

In the end, Kim Jeom’s proposal was heading towards being deemed ‘absolutely impossible.’

“This son has something to ask of Father.”

“Oh! Really! Ask away!”

When Hyang, who had been quietly listening, spoke, Sejong beamed, and the ministers grumbled inwardly.

‘I knew he was being too quiet!’

‘What kind of stomach-churning story is he going to come up with this time!’

* * *

Hyang observed the situation from a detached perspective and offered his opinion, and each time, Sejong and the ministers were able to identify oversights. Up to this point, it was beneficial, and Sejong was proud of his son’s intelligence. However, it unknowingly stressed the ministers.

‘To think we couldn’t find these problems! As ministers assisting the king, are we lacking in ability?’

Such sentiments unknowingly surfaced.

* * *

Having received permission from Sejong, Hyang immediately asked his question.

“It is a positive thing that the Ouchi clan’s Japanese are requesting our teachings. How could learning the Way of the Sages and understanding morality be detrimental? However, I am curious as to why they are asking Joseon for teachings.”

“Are you saying you cannot understand why they are asking Joseon for teachings?”

At Sejong’s prompting, Hyang nodded and continued.

“Yes. I have heard that in Waeguk, besides the Japanese King who governs the shogunate [military government], there is also an Emperor, and there are scholars called Kugyo [high-ranking officials in the Imperial Court] working under the Emperor. Why doesn’t the Ouchi clan seek help from them?”

“Hmm…. There is a point there.”

Sejong stroked his beard and nodded.

Hyang continued.

“It has been centuries since Buddhism entered Waeguk, and the same is true for the teachings of the Sages, albeit not in the form of Zhu Xi’s philosophy [Neo-Confucianism]. Even if those Japanese are barbaric and rely only on swords, surely some know the morality of the Sages. It doesn’t make sense that they are asking Joseon for teachings.”

“That is true.”

Sejong nodded repeatedly.

* * *

“What do you think?”

‘As expected….’

‘Here it comes!’

The ministers, having received the matter thrown by Hyang and tossed by Sejong, grumbled inwardly. However, Hyang’s point was valid, so they diligently racked their brains.

While piecing together information related to Waeguk, Lee Maeng-gyun spoke first.

“It is well known that the Ouchi clan and the Japanese King are mutually wary of each other. In particular, seeing that they are keeping the silver mine developed in cooperation with Joseon a secret, it seems the Ouchi clan has ambitions. The Kugyo of Waeguk are based in Kyoto and have a good relationship with the Japanese King. Therefore, they are likely worried that secrets will leak to the Japanese King if they invite them as teachers.”

“There is a point in the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ words.”

“Then what does the Minister of Foreign Affairs think about us sending teachers?”

At Sejong’s question, Lee Maeng-gyun closed his mouth and pondered. After considering various possibilities, he finally spoke.

“I do not think it is wise for Joseon to send teachers.”

“Why?”

“First, while the shogunate of Waeguk and Joseon communicate, there is still deep distrust between them. In this state, if we send teachers and it becomes known, the Japanese King may think we instigated the Ouchi clan.

Second, if the Ouchi clan initiates something, the dispatched teachers could become hostages. Joseon’s soldiers are at the silver mine, and there is a naval port nearby, so we can attempt a forced rescue, but the teachers cannot. If things go wrong, they may take the teachers hostage and demand our participation in the war.”

Sejong nodded.

“That is true. They may be just a few hostages, but there is the problem of justification, and there will be problems with the people’s trust….”

“That is correct.”

Lee Maeng-gyun and the ministers all nodded. If the teachers were taken hostage, they would face a dilemma over whether to save them. If they helped the Ouchi clan under the pretext of saving the hostages, they would be criticized for ‘making a mountain out of a molehill,’ intervening in the internal affairs of another country for a few hostages.

Conversely, if they allied with the shogunate and attacked the Ouchi clan, some would claim they had abandoned their trust.

Finally, if they disregarded the lives of the hostages, Sejong would be criticized as a ‘tyrant who disregards the lives of the people.’

“Then do you think it is right not to accept the Ouchi clan’s request?”

At Sejong’s question, Lee Maeng-gyun stepped forward again.

“That is not the case. Since the Ouchi clan has carefully selected these talents, they will take on important roles in the Ouchi clan’s affairs in the future. If we can make them admire Joseon, it would be extremely beneficial, considering the Ouchi clan’s position.”

At Lee Maeng-gyun’s words, Sejong and the ministers recalled the Ouchi clan’s geopolitical location.

Through the battles in Kyushu last year, the territories seized by the Ouchi clan were, whether by coincidence or necessity, regions facing Joseon. Therefore, the more solidified the Ouchi clan’s control became, the safer Joseon’s coast would be.

* * *

Having heard Lee Maeng-gyun’s explanation, Sejong summarized the situation.

“Combining your opinions, it is as follows.

One. It is beneficial for Joseon if we teach the Ouchi clan’s talents.

Two. However, it is dangerous to send our teachers to the Ouchi clan’s territory.

Is that correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Then there is only one answer. Have the Ouchi clan’s talents sent to Joseon.”

At Sejong’s decision, the ministers immediately bowed their heads.

“Your Majesty’s words are truly wise.”

“It is the best plan in the current situation.”

“It is truly a wise decision.”

Sejong smiled shyly.

“You are gilding my face [flattering me].”

“No, we are not!”

In reality, the ministers were already thinking similarly. However, they hesitated to voice it because the subject was the Japanese.

They had argued for allowing the Japanese, who were as much a symbol of ferocity as the Jurchens in the north, to enter the country, but if the Japanese caused an incident, they would be held responsible.

Similar problems had occurred more than once at the Japanese trading post, so the ministers had been cautious.

However, since Sejong had brought it up, they would avoid primary censure even if something went wrong.

Hyang, watching from the side, muttered inwardly.

‘The avoidance tactics of public officials are the same now as they are in the 21st century….’

* * *

Author’s Note.

Hello? This is Gukbbong, author of ‘Black Company Joseon.’

Due to caregiving issues, I will be taking a break from weekend updates until this week.

As I was urgently looking for a caregiver, a guardian had to stay at the hospital on weekends.

However, this problem will be resolved from next week, and weekend updates will resume.

I apologize for the frequent breaks.

I will work harder in the future.

Sincerely,
Gukbbong.